Meet the 2024 Hunger Hike Cochairs in 10 Days
Two prominent leaders from Purdue University have taken on the role of honorary cochairs for Hunger Hike 2024: Dr. Anne Marie Edwards, director of the Purdue University Black Cultural Center, and Jack Kellmanson, head coach of the Purdue Rowing & Crew Team. Join us and meet them at Hunger Hike 2024.
Dr. Edwards & Coach Kellmanson are dedicated advocates for Hunger Hike, demonstrating a deep commitment to community service, particularly in support of food assistance and nutrition programs. Their passion for addressing hunger and the power of collective action makes them ideal ambassadors. Both emphasize the importance of Purdue students understanding the challenges faced by their community. They’ve encouraged everyone to start fundraising now to help exceed this year’s $110,000 goal. For details on how to get involved and start fundraising, visit HungerHike.org. Read more about Dr. Edwards & Coach Kellmanson HERE.
Jack Kellmanson
David W. Kucik Director of Rowing & Head Men’s Coach | Purdue Rowing & Crew Team
Jack Kellmanson began rowing in 2011 in Jacksonville, FL, where he got his start in the sport sculling, competing at the junior level in the 1x and 2x. Jack continued his rowing career at the University of Virginia, where he was a member of the F8 which took silver at ACRA in 2018, as well as a member of the V8 his junior and senior years, which unfortunately saw limited racing opportunities due to the global pandemic. Jack’s most influential experience as an athlete was serving as the training partner to world champion Swiss single sculler Jeannine Gmelin in 2019 under coach Robin Dowell, who, along with Virginia coach Frank Biller, Jack cites as his inspirations for beginning his coaching career. Jack joins Purdue from the University of Illinois. Under Jack, the program achieved numerous bests and firsts, most excitingly at ACRA 2024 with the program’s first ever medal in an 8 (WN8 – 3rd, 2024), and highest ever team points finish. Jack is most proud of the growth of the team and commitment of the athletes he coached, seeing the team’s roster size more than double since coming to the program. Jack brings to Purdue his love for the sport, a focus on holistic athlete development and team culture, and a deep appreciation for club rowing. He is thrilled to be joining the rich tradition of Purdue crew and leading the program into its next chapter.
Dr. Anne Marie Edwards
Director of the Purdue Black Cultural Center
Dr. Anne Marie Edwards serves as the director of the Purdue University Black Cultural Center. Prior to this role, she held various roles in higher education including her most recent role as the director of the Center for Black Studies at Northern Illinois University. She received a B.S. and M.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University and worked in the hospitality industry for several years until returning to school to obtain an M.B.A. from Valparaiso University. She earned a doctorate in educational psychology in August of 2021 where her emphasis centered Black women and identity development in the higher education environment. Her other research interests include topics around race, motivation, leadership, and career development. Dr. Edwards is interested in ways of making research accessible to the public. Dr. Edwards is an active member of the Association of Black Culture Centers (ABCC), National Council for Black Studies (NCBS), NASPA, and her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She has presented at ABCC, NCBS, MWERA, NASPA, ACPA, Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALAH) and at the International Self-Determination theory conference. Dr. Edwards is one of the co-hosts of the podcast Blkwomynvoices, a biweekly show about Black womyn and higher education.
Get ready for Hunger Hike 2024, a vibrant community event dedicated to raising awareness and fighting hunger both locally and globally. This year’s event is set to take place at Riehle Plaza in Lafayette, IN, on Sunday, September 22, at 1 p.m.
Hunger Hike is a fantastic opportunity for teams, groups, and families to come together in support of vital food programs. Whether you’re part of a church group, student organization, civic club, or just rallying your loved ones, you can make an impact by joining our cause.
Assemble your Hunger Hike team and kick off your fundraising through our easy-to-use online platform or any method that suits you. LUM enthusiastically invites you to be a part of this meaningful effort to combat food insecurity and create a brighter future for those in need. Let’s unite and take steps toward ending hunger!
Get started today—click the button below to begin fundraising, make a donation, or learn more. Together, we can turn our passion into action and create real change! We can’t wait to see you there, ready to hike, raise funds, and support this amazing cause!
